You can never be too careful. Even with laws and requirements, some healthcare products and medications still get recalled for safety reasons every year. Before you put something into your body or make a change you can’t take back, it’s smart to question whether it’s even safe. When it comes to your teeth, you only have one set to last a lifetime, so you don’t want to put your smile in harm’s way if treatment isn’t necessary.
Cosmetic dentistry may not be generally deemed essential, you can put your worries to rest. It’s safe, effective, and worth pursuing if you feel you need or want it! Below you’ll discover how your dentist keeps you safe while they perfect your smile.
Your Dentist Undergoes Many Hours of Training Every Year.
On top of the three rigorous years they spent in dental school, your dentist is required by law to take a certain number of hours of continuing education every year. In fact, most dentists try to join prestigious study groups, institutions, or organizations, some of which are focused on cosmetic treatments specifically. Through ongoing training, your dentist stays current with cutting-edge technology, techniques, and standards, giving you peace of mind about your safety.
Some Permanent Changes Are Worthwhile.
Every dentist has to admit that some cosmetic improvements do involve making permanent adjustments to your teeth. Namely, veneers and crowns entail removing a thin slice of enamel to make room for the prosthetic. Remember, without these irreversible alterations, your veneers would protrude or stand out in an unnatural way. Your “perfect” smile wouldn’t look realistic. Likewise, gum recontouring reveals more of your teeth, making your smile appear less gummy and more balanced. Many patients who get this treatment are thrilled with the results and never regret the decision.
Your Dentist Will Provide a Local Anesthetic for More Drastic Changes.
This injection numbs the nerves in your mouth in a specific area. That way, when teeth are slightly shaved down to prepare for veneers or metal-free restorations, you don’t feel unpleasant sensations. In some cases, such as when you get teeth whitening or bonding, local anesthetic isn’t necessary at all. The same can be said for gum recontouring. The soft tissue laser gently separates superfluous gum tissue without causing significant pain or bleeding.
Your Dentist May Offer Sedation Dentistry.
Do you still find yourself feeling nervous or apprehensive about moving forward with cosmetic treatment? To keep you calm and relaxed, your dentist may offer sedatives like nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation. With the milder nitrous oxide, you remain awake and aware, but you have a warmer, more content feeling, helping you have a better experience overall. For longer procedures or more complicated treatment plans, oral conscious sedation may be more appropriate to help you remain at ease.
You Will Get Temporary Restorations If Necessary.
If you are getting veneers or metal-free crowns, you won’t be left with vulnerable teeth while you wait for your custom ones to be crafted. Your dentist will attach temporary prosthetics. No, they will not be perfectly fitted, but they should protect your teeth and allow you to function without any discomfort. Plus, it’s a great way to “test drive” how your veneers might feel. As soon as your personalized prosthetics are ready, you return to have them bonded for the long term.
Other procedures, like whitening and bonding, don’t need any extra protection because your teeth will remain intrinsically unaltered.
Although you are a smart consumer and patient to be concerned about safety, you can quickly address those concerns by talking with your dentist about what specifically worries you. They can go into further detail about the procedures if you wish, give you more information about their background, show you before and after photos of their past cosmetic cases, and reassure you that your stunning, brilliant smile is safe in their hands.
About the Practice
Sparkling Smiles Fayetteville has an amazing team of dentists and other staff members. Dr. Lauren Lee Polito is Dr. Dave Lee’s daughter, and they share a passion for helping patients achieve their best smiles. In their continuing education, they have dedicated many hours to cosmetic training as well as other more advanced areas of dentistry. We are also proud to offer sedation to ease nerves and help anxious patients stay calm. Would you like to meet with us to talk about cosmetic dentistry for your smile? Call our office at 770-679-2109 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.